Mammals Active day and night

Burmeister's Porpoise

Phocoena spinipinnis

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The 'black porpoise' of South America is a master of stealth, gliding through shallow coastal waters with a unique, backward-set dorsal fin. Elusive and shy, this small cetacean offers a rare glimpse into the quiet side of marine life.

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Quick Identification

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Size

1.4 to 2.0 meters (4.6 to 6.6 feet) in length; weighs 40 to 85 kg (88 to 187 lbs)

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Colors

Dark charcoal to nearly black dorsal side; lighter grey or white belly; dark grey flippers

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Key Features

Dorsal fin set significantly far back on the body
Distinctive tubercles (small bumps) on the leading edge of the dorsal fin
Blunt, rounded head without a protruding beak
Small, spade-shaped teeth

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 4-7 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily small pelagic fish like anchovies, hake, and sardines, supplemented by squid and occasional crustaceans like shrimp.

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Habitat Coastal waters, typically within 10 kilometers of shore, including shallow bays, estuaries, and kelp forests.

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Where Does the Burmeister's Porpoise Live?

Native to the coastal waters of South America, Burmeister's Porpoise inhabits a nearly continuous range from the Pacific coast of northern Peru, down around the southern tip of Cape Horn, and up the Atlantic coast to southern Brazil. They are most frequently encountered in the cool, nutrient-rich zones of the Humboldt Current in the west and the Falkland Current in the east. This species is a dedicated coastal resident, rarely venturing into the deep oceanic waters beyond the continental shelf.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

5 Countries

4.2M km² Range

Near Threatened Conservation

CL Chile PE Peru AR Argentina UY Uruguay BR Brazil

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Burmeister’s porpoises are famously shy and elusive marine mammals, often referred to as 'breath-and-gone' animals due to their extremely low-profile surfacing style. Unlike more gregarious dolphins, they rarely leap from the water or ride the bow waves of boats. Instead, they rise quietly to the surface with a gentle roll, making them very difficult to spot even in relatively calm conditions. They are typically found in small pods of one to six individuals, though larger groups may occasionally gather in areas with abundant food.

These porpoises are coastal specialists, spending most of their time in shallow waters, estuaries, and bays. They are highly sensitive to underwater noise and tend to move away from motorized vessels, which has made them one of the least-studied cetaceans in South American waters. Their social lives remain largely a mystery, but they are known to be non-aggressive foragers that rely on stealth rather than speed to navigate their environment.

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Camera Tips

Capturing Burmeister's Porpoise on camera is a unique challenge that requires a coastal-specific approach. If you have a property overlooking a calm bay or estuary, the best setup is a high-resolution, shore-based camera mounted on a tripod or pier. Because these porpoises have a very low profile when surfacing, use a telephoto lens or a camera with high optical zoom focused on the 'glassy' patches of water during high tide. Motion sensors often fail to trigger on their subtle movements, so set your camera to record time-lapse intervals or use continuous video during peak hours.

For those with direct water access, an underwater stationary camera (like an action camera in a waterproof housing) can be highly effective. Mount the camera 1-3 meters below the surface on a dock piling or a weighted buoy tether near kelp forest edges. Since Burmeister’s porpoises are wary of new objects, try to camouflage the housing with dark, non-reflective tape and leave it in place for several days to allow them to acclimate to its presence. Avoid using any lights or flash, as the sudden illumination will likely spook them.

The best time for photography is during the early morning hours when the wind is at its lowest and the sea surface is flat. High tide is particularly productive, as the porpoises follow schools of baitfish closer to the shore and into estuaries. While you cannot use bait to attract them, positioning your camera near natural features that trap fish—such as rock walls, piers, or dense kelp beds—will significantly increase your chances of a successful sighting.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Burmeister's Porpoise.

Spectacled Porpoise

Features a striking black-and-white color pattern and a much larger, rounded dorsal fin, especially in males.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are active throughout the day and night, but for observation, they are most easily seen during the early morning and late afternoon when the ocean surface is calm and there is less glare from the sun.

Since they are marine animals, you can't attract them to a literal backyard, but coastal residents can encourage them to stay in the area by maintaining healthy, unpolluted waters and protecting local kelp forests and fish populations.

Their diet consists mainly of small schooling fish like anchovies and hake, as well as squid and various crustaceans found along the seabed and in the water column.

They are common along many South American coastlines, including those near suburban areas, but their shy nature and low surfacing profile mean they are often overlooked by residents.

Burmeister's Porpoises are much smaller (under 2 meters), lack a distinct beak, and have a dorsal fin that is set much further back on the body compared to the centralized, sickle-shaped fin of a Bottlenose Dolphin.

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